Premium infant formula, palatable children supplements are continued avenues for growth in Asia – FrieslandCampina
The company announced in June that its production strain of lacto-N-tetraose (LNT), a human milk oligosaccharide (HMO) known for its prebiotic and gut-support effects, has received approval from China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA).
This follows the MARA’s approval of its Aequival 2’-Fucosyllactose (2’-FL) ingredient.
“We’re making significant strides in the approval processes of our HMOs in China. Our Aequival 2’-FL and Aequival LNT have received production strain approval, paving the way for full approval by the end of 2024 and 2026 respectively.
“Once both ingredients have achieved final approval, FrieslandCampina will become the sole provider of both HMOs and galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) in China,” Sophie Nicolas, global marketing lead (early life nutrition) at FrieslandCampina, told NutraIngredients-Asia.
According to Nicholas, there is a growing preference towards premium infant formula that contains bioactive components with proven health benefits, such as HMOs, globally.
Particularly in China, the volume growth rate for ultra-premium infant formula is decreasing at a slower rate than the total infant formula market compared to last year.
“Parents want the best-quality nutrition for their children when breastfeeding is not possible. Increasing demand for premiumisation means this segment looks to remain resilient despite pressures in the global infant formula market. Therefore, pushing out infant formula with premium ingredients will present brands in China with a continued avenue for growth.
“Across Asia-Pacific, there is also growing interest in children’s nutrition products, such as supplements. Parents are acutely aware of the critical role nutrition plays in their children’s health, and are increasingly looking for effective and appealing solutions that kids will enjoy.”
In fact, the paediatric supplements market in China and the broader APAC region is projected to grow by 45% and 63%, respectively, by 2030.
“This has led to rising demand for easy-to-consume nutritional solutions, such as ready-to-drink beverages, spoonable products, and gummies.
“A key opportunity for brands lies in addressing the gap between nutrition for infancy and older children by developing fortified products for ages three and up.”
While gut health is one of the most in-demand health benefits for parents of infants, mental health is an emerging area of concern.
“Mental health has traditionally been a domain aimed at adults, but parents increasingly recognise the importance of promoting good mental well-being in children as well.”
Asian perspective
Citing market research data, Nicolas said that more than 75% of parents in China and Indonesia are likely to choose a formula that supports their infant’s gut and immune health.
In 2023, 21% of new infant formula products contained at least one HMO.
Specifically, in South East Asia, the introduction of infant formulas containing prebiotics, such as 2’-FL, has quintupled over the past five years.
In addition, immune-supporting ingredients such as bioactive proteins, including lactoferrin, milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), and immunoglobulins like IgG, are gaining traction across Asia-Pacific.
Globally, approvals of HMOs for use in infant formula are on the rise. For instance, 2’-FL is nearing approval in most countries, with only some (such as Japan and Indonesia) yet to do so.
“Aequival 2’-FL has been approved for use in infant milk formula in Thailand, and progress is underway for Aequival LNT in the Australia and New Zealand region. Other HMOs, such as 3’-Sialyllactose (3’-SL) and 6’-Sialyllactose (6’-SL), are also gaining global approval.”
Highlighting the various benefits of LNT for infant nutrition, especially gut health, Nicolas added that the HMO has been proven to stimulate the growth of Bifidobacteria, which can further modulate immune response and produce short-chain fatty acids that strengthen the gut barrier.
It has also been shown to reduce the attachment of Entamoeba histolytica, a parasite known to cause gut issues, and inhibit the growth of group B streptococcus.
Notably, further research has pointed out that LNT can complement the anti-pathogenic effects of other oligosaccharides like GOS and 2’-FL, which suggests that multi-ingredient formulas could offer greater overall health benefits.
Tap into technology
FrieslandCampina believes that brands should tap into cutting-edge technologies to not only keep pace with scientific advancements and ever-expanding knowledge about the nutritional needs of infants and children, but also to further enhance ingredient efficacy and quality.
For example, there has been heightened awareness about the benefits of adding long-chain polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids (LCPUFAs) like docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to infant formula, including brain development, visual function, and immune support.
However, they can bring complex formulation challenges, such as unpleasant taste and off-odours, which are unappealing to both infants and parents.
“Advanced technologies can allow for more efficient encapsulation of omega-3 oils in a powder matrix. Compared to conventional technologies, our unique encapsulation process enables higher DHA concentrations in a powder that is easier to mix with other dry ingredients in infant milk formula.
“This not only improves sensory properties, but can also help make a higher quality, more efficacious product. Moreover, this process is able to extend shelf life, helping brands to create superior products with added benefits to stand out in a competitive space,” Nicolas said.
